The Paths To Understanding Podcast

Challenge 2.0 Man Camps A Pipeline to Violence Part One

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Workers who move to a region for oil, gas and mining jobs often set up what are called ‘man camps’; residential villages often located near or even on native reservations. Investigators from groups such as Amnesty International have documented the increased risk of murder, rape, sex and human trafficking experienced by Indigenous women and children. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we visit with two native American activists about this and the broader problem of murdered and missing Indigenous women, men and children

Challenge 2.0 We Rise by Lifting Others

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The story of today’s Challenge episode was born in tragedy. A young woman who unsuccessfully sought to escape an abusive husband died at his hands when she was unable to find safe shelter. But it inspired a response that has literally saved thousands from similar fates. That response is called Maher-“Mother’s Home”. The setting for the story of Maher is in India, but it demonstrates the healing power of determination, imagination and compassion-a healing power available worldwide.

Challenge 2.0 Putting Faith into Action Quietly and Successfully

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Translating values into policy and law is never easy and rarely quick. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we visit with leaders from the group Faith Action Network which represents 167 faith communities throughout the state. Those communities encompass Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism and prove the existence of common ground and shared values across different belief systems. Today, we’ll discover how successful they were in achieving their goals this year in the Washington state legislature.

Challenege 2.0 Being Woke: An Expression or Contradiction of Faith?

One faith leader has described what is called ‘wokeness’ as a pseudo-religion, another as simply being ‘vile’. Florida governor Ron DeSantis brags his state is where ‘wokeness’ goes to die. Yet other faith leaders call it an expression of authentic religious faithwith some qualifications. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, three faith leaders of Christianity, Judaism and Islam consider this controversy.

Challenge 2.0 Can Faith Unite Instead of Divide the Middle East

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The most common narrative of the current conflict in the middle east is that it pits Muslims and Jews against each other. It suggests differences in the two religions, and the expectations inherent in those faiths makes finding common ground impossible. But are differences in faith at the center of the conflict? We’ll ask three faith leaders from Christianity, Islam and Judaism for their assessment, and whether finding common ground might be possible.

Challenge 2.0 Go and Do Likewise Part Two

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Last week, we began a conversation examining the force of White Christian Nationalism in America; how it conflicts with the essence of Christianity and the motto found on coins-‘E Pluribus Unum’-out of many, one. We continue our discussion this week with the author of the new book, “Go and Do Likewise”-and how we can counter efforts to divide Americans.

Challenge 2.0 Go and Do Likewise

White Christian Nationalism has become a potent and disruptive force in American politics. Some would argue that it has everything to do with a mix of anger and fear among white Americans, the impulse of nationalism, but very little to do with authentic Christianity. Reverend Terry Kyllo is among those. Go and Do Likewise is the title of his analysis of this toxic force in our culture. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, he explores the destructive force of White Christian Supremacy, as well as effective ways to counter it. 

Challenge 2.0 Breaking the Cycle of Violence Part Two

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In last week’s episode of Challenge 2.0, we began a conversation with an internationally recognized advocate of nonviolence and how it’s a proven path to peace and justice. This week, we explore what the practice of nonviolence is, how change within us is needed to create change around us as well as the evidence supporting the effectiveness of this strategy.

Challenge 2.0 Breaking the Cycle of Violence Part One

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Violence or the threat of violence dominates the news-whether it’s in the Middle East, the Ukraine, on American streets or in classrooms. It seems to be a never-ending cycle, with peace and justice remaining ever elusive. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we speak with an advocate of nonviolence, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Activist John Dear asserts it offers a proven path to peace and justice, and is anything but passive.

Challenge 2.0 Swimming Upstream for Survival Part Two

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org The two basins formed by the Columbia and Snake rivers were once the biggest salmon habitats in the world. But no longer. Just as the native fish population in this once famed region is struggling to survive, what are called the ‘people of the salmon’ are also facing major challenges-the Yakama, the Nez Perce, the Umatilla and the Warm Springs tribes. We continue last week’s conversation in this episode of Challenge 2.0.